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  5. Griffintown/St-Henri

Joe Beef

4.3
4.3
635 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Steak
Old Montreal restaurant classics in the heart of Little Burgundy. An homage to Charles "Joe-Beef" McKiernan, 19th century innkeeper and Montreal working class hero. A drunken crawl away from the Historic Atwater market. Steaks and seafood.

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Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

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Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Steak, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30pm - close
  • Phone number
    (514) 935-6504
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual

What 635 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3
4.3 based on all time ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 0.4Value

NoiseEnergetic

635 Reviews
  1. AirSchis

    Vancouver

    48 reviews

    5.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2013

    overall5food5service4ambience3
    You need to make reservations well in advance. Very casual place that has retained its original character. Staff are very friendly and will interpret the chalk board menu from French to English. The choices are varied and delicious. Very dark inside and can get loud. The food is outstanding. For an appetizer get the Foie Gras Double Down. You will fall in love with this dish. Lots of great wine to choose from. This place doesn't take itself too seriously which is great. No pretentions here.

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  2. midwesterngirl

    Chicago

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2013

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    We went to Joe Beef when visiting from Chicago. What a great restaurant and delicious food! Although we were frustrated with the chalkboard menu -and the fact that it was only in French, we thought the food was worth the hassle. Everthing is fairly pricey, but the oysters were the best we have ever had, my fish dish was incredible, and how can you go wrong with the beef!!!

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  3. Bongo

    Montreal

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2013

    overall1food1service3ambience1
    I was highly anticipating our evening at Joe Beef since we had been visiting Montreal from another province. The noise level was very high and both tables on either side of us(tables very close together) were very loud. Mostly, I did not like the fact that the there were no hard copies of the menu. It was posted on a chalkboard which was hard to read because of its location and the darkness of the restaurant. The waiter described the items but because of the noise level I couldn't hear him.Once the food came it was difficult to see what you were eating because of the lack of light. I also found the food not very tasty. All in all it was a very unenjoyable experience. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

    1 person found this helpful

  4. Tpooh

    Montreal

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 6, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a group of six celebrating Christmas and we all had a fantastic time. My tartelette de caille was absolutely glorious, and the cassoulet was the perfect hearty meal for a snowy winter day. I had so many leftovers and it was just as good for lunch. They were out of Malbecs but the waitress brought us some great suggestions - great detail on her part since I had already made another selection but she wanted to make sure I got something close to a Malbec. As long as they keep up their amazing selections, innovative dishes and courteous service, I will make my reservation as far in advance as is needed!

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  5. seeveralynn

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Definitly a unique experience. Very expensive but will go back for special occasion.

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  6. Rene

    Hawaii

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2013

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    We ordered wine by the glass. First a Chablis. They pour the wine and it tasted good but...not quite like a Chablis. I am not a specialist so I did not say anything. When we ask for more, I asked to see the bottle...It was not a Chablis. The waiter told me that he was out of Chablis and thought he had told us... Lobster pastas: very good lobster, noodle were not «al dente» but half raw...very hard.

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  7. alishalou

    Sacramento

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hands down the best meal and dining experience we have had in a very long time. Thank you Joe Beef and Crew for making my husbands birthday very very special. The only downside (to no fault of Joe Beef) was it was our first meal in Montreal on the trip, which made the others in town have ALOT to live up to (and none could beat it)! The service, the atmosphere, the wine, and the FOOD were all Amazing. Go with an open mind. Don't worry if you don't read French. And be totally amazed. Thank you Joe Beef for serving us a fantastic meal and hosting a fantastic dinner for the two of us. It could not have been better (well unless we could have dined here all 4 nites we were in town).

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  8. JoeKing

    Montreal

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 30, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    J'ai bien aimé ce resto..ambiance agréable, service impeccable, liste de vin intéressante, les portions généreuses... Seul bémol... Le prix, aussi lourd pour le portefeuille que les mets pour le foie... C'est très bon, mais très gras.

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  9. Yamiam

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food, ambiance and very enjoyable experience!

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  10. dreamer

    Montreal

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2013

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    This is one very popular place. Couldn't reserve anything back in Aug for an Oct weekend table unless it was after 10 PM. So was only able to reserve a 7 PM on a Tuesday evening. Good thing because it was packed with a line waiting to go in after 9:30 PM on a TUESDAY night!! Never felt rushed, service was spot on. And the food - to die for. I had the Joe Beef, my partner and her friend had the 27 oz (that's right - 27 OZ) beef. Another at our table had the Halibut and the fifth had rabbit. Everyone, to a person, thoroughly enjoyed their meal. I always eat what's on my plate - first time ever had to ask for doggy bag. Yes, it may be a touch pricey, but here, you're getting your money's worth. Already lined up our next reservation!!

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  11. fxav125

    Philadelphia

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 22, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the Artichoke with Sturgeon for appetizers which was excellent. Good flavor and not too overpowering. The horse entree was even better- very lean and tender enough to cut with a butter knife. The flavors were outstanding! The Pumpkin Pie ice cream was very good as well. We never had to ask for more water or anything. The service was on the spot and the waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly and made sure we were having a good time.

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  12. Cami

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    The food was very good, but I was expecting a little bit better from the tortelli entre and the perdrix dish. The porc dish was great as well as the horse tartar. The pumpkin desert was also good. The service was great but overall I had a better elsewhere

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  13. Sunshine

    Montreal

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 18, 2013

    overall3food5service2ambience2
    We had wanted to try this restaurant for a while now, and when we finally booked the date we were quite excised we are a group of real foodies and love the famous tavern style food; I even have their recipe book that I find brillant. Yet, after trying this restaurant once it's sad to say that I will not be going back. The food was amazing and the flavors were definitely great. To make it short.... The chalkboard menu was not pleasant couldn't read it and had people next to our table taking pictures all night. The after dinning experience was really what made us decide it wasn't worth coming back to experience the food again. They rushed us out so much/fast I didn't get to grab my jacket and my to go plate. What a shame!

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  14. Sean

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I eat out a lot. I have eaten in some of the world's finest restaurants. I have also never left feedback via open table before, because I typically do not find it necessary, even after a good experience. But Joe Beef warrants feed back. While it is hard to rank a dining experience, this was EASILY in my top 3. I have never experienced such incredible service, to go with the most amazing food. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that my group had the night of our lives (and we did).

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  15. WonderfulBirthday

    Seattle

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on October 17, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and delightful experience! Loved it!

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  16. Kelly

    Montreal

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We made our reservation on OpenTable nearly three months in advance. We were not disappointed. The food was amazing and the restaurant, while small, had a great feel to it. Great for a special occasion. Save your pennies (okay, nickels) and treat yourself. You WON'T be disappointed!

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  17. FoodLover

    Montreal

    6 reviews

    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on October 16, 2013

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Having waited nearly three months for our Saturday night reservation, I must say our high expectations were just not met by Joe Beef. I understand the menu changes daily due to ingredients sourced but surely there is a better way for patrons to access the menu than a big blackboard at the entrance- the restaurant could invest in some paper copies or even supply a link to an online menu. Although the food was obviously gourmet, it was too over the top for my liking- too rich and finicky. The service was fine, not outstanding. Overall, I have no desire to return and would not recommend waiting the length of time it takes to get in to others- there are plenty of more outstanding restaurants ahead of Joe Beef in Montreal!

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  18. MannyB

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 5, 2013

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    Comment for Open Table: For the Noise Level review, need an option "too loud".

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  19. JoeBloe

    Montreal

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2013

    overall3food2service2ambience4
    It was a bad night I guess, ordered the rib steak for two...was overcooked..given the standard of the restaurant, this was a huge disappointment

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  20. Angiebr

    Montreal

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 28, 2013

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    I am still thinking about it a week later!!

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Was looking forward to it and Joe Beef did not disappoint.

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  22. SeeCatEat

    Houston

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2013

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Joe Beef was recommended to me a few times before my trip and I'm glad we got a reservation. The blackboard-only menu was in French but our waiter was very helpful. The food was adventurous and very good.

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  23. CarlBergeron

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 27, 2013

    overall2food4service1ambience1
    I have been waiting for 2 months to get a table for 4 at the famous JB. So i finaly got a spot and went. What a disappointement. I had the steak Monsieur. Very very good. My wife and her friend had the steak Madame...the cooking was poor. It seems like her steaks has boiled. You know the kind of greyish color on a piece of meat!!! They did not know who ordered what! Ouch!The waiter was not very good serving our plates. And For dessert. I am pretty sure the pears in my Poire Belle-Helene came from a can :-((( It may have been a bad day at the office for Joe Beef's crew that day...But, i hope that they are not resting on their Lauriers. You have to keep the good job guys. I have heard so many good thing from people who went before me. Cheers

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  24. Andy

    Vancouver

    32 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on September 26, 2013

    overall4food1service2ambience2
    Seems as though Joe Beef has gone downhill with quality and service from my experience and other diner reviews. Pros: innovative dishes, fun environment, Cons: heavy hand on the salt, poor service, dim lighting - can't. See your food, restaurant ventilation poor OVERRATED , can't waste anymore time to review this place.

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  25. MrJQ

    New Orleans

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2013

    overall3food2service3ambience2
    The concept is great and the place is obviously popular. Unfortunately the menu is nearly impossible to read on the chalkboard from 1/2 the seats in the restaurant. My steak (ordered medium) came out rare (raw in the middle). Our server was caught up with her separate tables and couldn't check back. By the time we got her attention we were done. She offered to heat it up but it was too late. No follow up from a chef or manager. The place is hip and for the adventurous eater. Flavors of everything were great. Just missing attention to detail

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  26. JL84

    Orlando

    71 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    71 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2013

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    We came here with very high expectations and left having enjoyed a good meal, but the experience could be better. In the tiny cramped dining room the only menu is on a chalkboard & people are constantly having to get up and hover over you. The staff is of little help, and the menu is in only French. It's Montreal, but there are a lot of foodie/trendy descriptions that escape the non-Quebecois French speaker. Ask for English descriptions and the reaction which specific thing do you want translated. The atmosphere was cool, the food was very good (better lapin et moutarde than in France). The whole experience was a bit frustrating though, and I dare say not unique as such. Couples around us were having the same audible experience.

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  27. Mirabelle

    Montreal

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 25, 2013

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    everything was amazing (food, cocktails, service) till the bill: the waiter brought it to us without even asking if we were ready or not and if we wanted it separated or not. he brought only one and seemed very upset when we asked for separate bills!

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  28. strayrebel

    Montreal

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2013

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    you cant go wrong with Joe Beef. The servers are all incredibly knowledgeable and the food is outstanding. What more can you ask for? Just go. Sometimes its hard to get a reservation (up to 2 months ahead of time) but dont be discouraged.. call the day of, and you'll be surprised how often you can still get a table.

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  29. Econ1

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 21, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I went in with an open mind as I had read a few mixed reviews, mostly related to value. I found the ambience, food, and service to all be very good. Yes, it was not the least expensive restaurant around but I felt that the food quality, presentation and experience did justify a premium. I will go back.

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  30. Annitrip

    Montreal

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on September 19, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Joe Beef is always worth the experience. Great menu and options. We just picked the wrong dish this time for our liking but everything else was wonderful.

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  31. Vero

    Montreal

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2013

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Service is always good, food is just fantastic. This time, I found it particularly loud as we had difficulty hearing each other at the table, had to shout and could barely hear the server. Also, we waited outside for a half an hour before we could be seated. I understand people cannot be kicked out, but by 10 pm we were soooo hungry! I guess the great food made up for the wait ;)

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  32. Vippolove

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The great choice of music brought my experience to another level. The waitress was very nice and knowledgeable of her menu. We were lucky to see and seat close to one of the chef and owners.

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  33. Audrey

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2013

    overall4food4service5ambience3
    If you want to give our self a treat. It's the place to go. Far from being calorie-wise, it's still absolutely delicious. Tables are close one from another. Menu on the wall makes it difficult to see at night, but waitress are fabulous.

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  34. bfunk08

    Calgary

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my 2nd dining experience at Joe Beef. I make an effort to reserve a table whenever I'm in town. The restauraunt has a great ambiance to it, the servers very helpful and the food amazing. Deffiently one of the best restauraunts in Montreal.

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  35. Dave

    Pittsburgh

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After having read so much and having seen this restaurant on Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" and an earlier "The Layover", this dining spot was for us a destination on our trip to Montreal. It would have been easy to have set the bar too high on expectations and then be disappointed. Not so, with a capital N. The experience was everything we expected and more. The kitchen and staff all receive the highest marks we could give; friendly, attentive and fun. The food was amazing, the foie "double down" and the Magret du Canard to name two of the several dishes we tried. We were seated outside on the patio, which was lined with rows of fresh herbs and veggies the restaurant uses. We hold the highest respect for the food and the staff.

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  36. Swimmama

    London

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2013

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    We were repeat customers but we finally brought our 15 and 18 year and just like us, they loved it! The food was amazing, the music that night (mostly 80's music, we're gen X so perfect for us) was amazing, the ambiance was great. The kids loved it, it was a great night!

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  37. MTLdiners

    Montreal

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2013

    overall2food2service4ambience3
    Table of 4 - Lamb, steak and lobster pasta were ok - nothing overly special. Better finds elsewhere. Double down was excellent. Wouldnt go back.

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  38. GlennMTL

    Montreal

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Don't you just hate going to a restaurant that was hyped up but didn't live up to its expectations? Well, Joe Beef isn't one of those places. It is by far one of the best tables in Montreal. Great fare, with an emphasis on seasonal products, including fresh vegetables from their own garden. The meat and fish selections are outstanding and of the most exceptionnal quality. The service is attentive and friendly, with great wine pairing suggestions. Go now! You will not regret it.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 30, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Being an adventurous eater I was eager to try Joe Beef and had heard a lot of buzz around the place. The service was above and beyond what we expected, as our server offered to read the whole menu to us since the menu was in French and we only speak English. He was attentive throughout the night and made great recommendations for our meal. The double down appetizer was one of the best dishes I ever tasted. It was a fried foie gras sandwich with bacon and cheese melted in between the patties. My husband had the horse wrapped in bacon, and I had the lobster pasta. Both dishes were very tasty and our only regret was that we did not have room to try dessert. I will definitely be back any time I am in Montreal.

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  40. Mu123

    Toronto

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 29, 2013

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We had a great time. Our server and her recommendations were both incredible.

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FAQs

Joe Beef is rated 4.3 stars by 635 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing
Google Map for Joe Beef

2491. Notre Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC H3J 1N6

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Charlevoix
  • Neighborhood
    Griffintown/St-Henri
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:30pm - close
  • Cuisines
    Steak, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    Mastercard, Visa
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